Fox: 'I wager' Von Miler starts vs. Colts

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchangeOctober 18, 2013, 7:53 PM GMT

Denver Broncos pass rusher Von Miller practiced again Friday, his third day of on-field work since a six-game substance-abuse suspension ended this week. Coach John Fox said the team has a plan for Miller, whose presence will have an immediate impact at Indianapolis on Sunday for a defense that leads the league against the run, but is ranked dead last against the pass. "I think it's probably fair to say he's going to start," said Fox. "We're probably not going to announce the starting lineup but I wager he's going to start." Miller's defensive teammates are clearly happy to have him back on the field. "Oh it's a lot different -- it's a lot better too," said safety Rahim Moore. "Having him on the field, his presence along, he can do so much. He can cover, rush the passer. (He is) a physical player, he can do it all -- make plays on the ball. He's a complete linebacker." He's also a linebacker who had nothing else to do but work out and study his playbook the last six weeks. After practice Wednesday, Miller declared he was "in the best shape of my life." "I felt a lot stronger, quicker and faster," Miller said. "It's not like I'm running 100 yards or 400 yards, so I definitely felt good. All the feedback I was getting from my teammates and everything, I definitely felt like it was good. "There was a hurry-up period in there, which was tough, but that's what it's designed to be. It's designed to be tough. But the whole practice, I definitely feel like I practiced well." --OT Orlando Franklin did not practice Friday and is expected to miss one to two weeks after suffering what Broncos coach John Fox termed as sprains of his left knee and ankle in the third quarter Sunday and was seen in a walking boot after the game and the next day, holding crutches. He's officially listed as doubtful. --DT Sylvester Williams suffered a neck sprain against the Jaguars and was limited in practice three days later. Prior to the injury, Williams had been enjoying his best game as a pro, and finished with one quarterback hit and one tackle for a loss. He was listed as probable Friday. --CB Champ Bailey practiced Friday and is probable after making his debut last week. Against the Jaguars, Bailey played 70 of 72 snaps, the most for any Broncos cornerback, and led them with three passes defensed. --LB Wesley Woodyard practiced on a limited basis Friday, 12 days after suffering a neck injury against Dallas on Oct. 6. He did not practice or play in Week 6, and is listed as questionable. --DE Robert Ayers returned to practice Wednesday after missing last week because of a shoulder injury. Ayers, who was full-go Friday, was hurt Oct. 6 against the Cowboys and did not practice in the days leading up to the Jacksonville game. He is listed as probable. --DE Shaun Phillips (hamstring) was full practice Friday and is probable. Phillips led the Broncos with 5.5 sacks during Von Miller's absence.